Questions and Answers

Buick LeSabre Transmission Shifting?? Q. I have a problem with a 1997 Buick LeSabre with a 3.8 liter engine. When it is warmed up, it will sometimes start to rev the engine intermittently, about the same rate as a heartbeat, when going up a slight hill. The transmission fluid has been changed just recently but did not make a difference.

The mechanic who changed the fluid had planned on changing the transmission out but found no filings in the pan so he tried to save me some money. I have spoken to a Buick dealer and a couple of other mechanics and no one seems to be able to tell me what needs to be done.

Have you ever seen anything like it and should I have the transmission rebuilt or replaced?

Thanks!

A. A scan tool hooked up and a road test should be able to tell you what's going on here. It may be something simple like a mis-adjusted brake pedal switch which could cause the torque convertor clutch to come on and off when you are cruising down the road.